Description
Sweet Martha Washington candies combine creamy coconut and chocolate for a nostalgic Southern treat that melts in your mouth. Classic confections bring comfort and joy to dessert lovers seeking a delightful homemade indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 cups (160 g) sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) chopped pecans
Filling Base:
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 can (14 ounces/397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating:
- 24 ounces (680 grams) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening (optional, for a smoother coating)
Instructions
- Cream butter and sweetened condensed milk in a spacious mixing vessel until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Incorporate vanilla extract into the creamy base, stirring thoroughly to distribute the aromatic essence.
- Systematically introduce powdered sugar, blending in incremental portions to develop a dense, cohesive mixture that holds its shape when manipulated.
- Gently integrate shredded coconut and finely chopped pecans throughout the dough, ensuring even dispersion of nutty and tropical ingredients.
- Form the mixture into small, uniform spheres using clean hands or a compact scoop, creating consistent candy morsels.
- Arrange the freshly shaped confections on a parchment-lined surface, allowing them to rest and slightly firm up at room temperature.
- Optional: For enhanced texture and visual appeal, roll the candy balls in additional finely chopped pecans or dust with a light coating of powdered sugar.
- Refrigerate the prepared candies for approximately 30 minutes to solidify their structure and intensify the flavor profile.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to make handling easier and prevent sticky fingers while forming balls.
- Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to create uniform candy sizes, ensuring consistent texture and appearance across all pieces.
- Toast pecans briefly in a dry skillet before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a deeper, more complex taste profile.
- For dietary variations, swap pecans with alternative nuts like almonds or walnuts, and use dairy-free butter and condensed milk alternatives for vegan options.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30
- Calories: 159
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 17 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg